Under the agreement, The Hartford said it will accept applications, gather additional underwriting information, and handle billing and payments for non-U.S. policies, just as it does for domestic policies.

The Hartford also will handle underwriting and issue ACE policies in jurisdictions that allow non-admitted coverage. In jurisdictions that allow only admitted coverage, ACE will handle underwriting and pricing after referral from The Hartford.

Either way, The Hartford said, the agent and customer will deal with a single insurer. The single exception is international claims, which will be handled directly by ACE.

The arrangement is set up to handle U.S.-based clients with a variety of international needs, from the occasional business traveler to the operations and buildings of an overseas subsidiary, Mr. Rothwell explained.

The coverage includes risks related to participation in international exhibitions or trade shows, sponsoring trips, tours or study groups abroad, and even advertising and selling products over the Internet to people in foreign countries.

The product is initially being marketed to midsized companies, but can be used for small and larger companies as well.

ACE American Insurance Company is part of the ACE Group of Companies, Hamilton, Bermuda, headed by ACE Limited. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world. Additional information can be found at www.acelimited.com. and www.thehartford.com